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Solia nodded. “It was understood that as soon as Valentia and Evander were old enough, they would marry. But Tyran’s family was just as close to theirs. How did he escape being implicated?”
“They refused to come to the aid of Evander’s family, abandoning their former allies to the king’s justice.”
Solia’s brow furrowed with regret. “That was for personal gain. Tyran always hoped to steal Valentia from Evander.”
“It worked,” Lio said. “Her family had to betroth her to him to save themselves from ruin.”
“But if they’ve been betrothed all these years, why haven’t they married?” Solia asked.
“Valentia is cunning about putting Tyran off,” Cassia said. “She still loves Evander.”
“Can we not tell her he’s still alive?” Lio asked. “I can feel how she’s still grieving for him.”
Cassia hesitated. “That would be sure to win her to our side. But I do not recommend using anyone’s love for that purpose.”
She lifted her gaze, her eyes beseeching Lio. Her aura ached with apology. An apology that he was now unsure she owed him.
“That is not my secret to tell,” Solia decided. “Not until I find out what Evander’s wishes are. If I can even make contact with him. I haven’t seen him in fifteen years, since he went into hiding in Cordium.”
When Lio said nothing, Cassia’s gaze dropped again. “Regardless, she is the Segetian lady you should invite to your weaving room. We can find other ways to win her support. Such as helping her dissolve her betrothal.”
Before Lio could acknowledge Cassia’s peace offering, Solia said, “It’s no coincidence that Flavian brought Tyran in now. He needed a strong ally of the Segetian faction, since Sabina has joined us. But how did he get Tyran here so quickly?”
“Tyran was most likely nearby, waiting for his chance,” Cassia replied.
Lio kept his eye on Tyran. “I fear we should expect matters to continue to escalate.”
Flavian stood to commence the night’s negotiations. He strolled the central aisle and paused before his banner on the dais, facing the crowd. “Lords and ladies and guests from afar, at last the entire Council of Free Lords is present. All save one. But even he has sent his representative.”
Lio did not appreciate the way Flavian drew attention to Sabina’s faction allegiance, rather than letting her transcend that as a respected lady of Tenebra.
She did not appear pleased, either. “I am here with my mother’s blessing as one of Princess Solia’s ladies. It is an honor to count myself the first among her retinue and to join the lords of Tenebra in this fortress of our shared traditions.”
“Ah,” Flavian replied, “pardon me, Your Ladyship. You can surely understand the source of my confusion, for ladies sit at the back, while the front row is reserved for voting free lords. We are happy to bring in an extra chair beside Lady Nivalis that better befits your status.”
Lio hated to admit it, but Flavian had loaded at least three well-chosen barbs, both personal and political, into that declaration.
“The front row is also reserved for royals,” Solia spoke up. “As the princess and future queen of Tenebra, I am entitled to this seat, and I will keep Lady Sabina at my side.”
Plenty of male auras in the room bristled at this addition of yet another woman to the four who were already seated in the front row. To Lio’s surprise, however, Flavian mounted no further protest.
“Before we commence tonight’s discussion,” Flavian continued, “let it be known that the resident mages of Kyria and Anthros, as well as the greater part of the lords present, have granted their permission to the Hesperine and Imperial delegations to cast wards around Castra Patria and the surrounding camp.”
Lio wanted to count that a victory, but he was too wary that their opponent would somehow twist this to his advantage, too. “We are dedicated to protecting everyone here from the rogue Gift Collector who is allied with King Lucis. We thank you for your forbearance. We will cast wards tonight that will repel necromancy.”
“Very well,” Flavian said. “Out of respect for those among us with hesitations regarding foreign magic, I would prefer to rely on steel and the wards of Tenebran mages. But I must defer to our temple delegations and the majority of the lords.”
And there it was. Flavian had managed to make himself look good, despite handing this boon to Lio. Flavian had effectively established himself as the anti-Hesperine choice for every lord here who would rather crown a new monarch without relying on Orthros’s aid.
Flavian bowed in Lio’s direction, and Lio did not miss the mockery in it. He could see that the Council negotiations were only just beginning.
As the great hall echoed with the boots of the exiting lords and the soft patters of their ladies’ slippers, Lio stood out of the way in veiled consultation with Mak and Lyros, Eudias and Ariadne, and Tuura.
“Yes,” Eudias confirmed, “Master Gorgos insists I accompany you while you cast the wards, so I can ensure you don’t do anything unholy, et cetera, et cetera.”
Ariadne sighed. “It took some convincing, but I managed to persuade the Semna that holy Kyrian oversight is necessary as well. She approved only because Tuura makes an appropriate escort to ‘protect my virtue.’ As if such things are important when a necromancer threatens us.”
Tuura tucked her arm in Ariadne’s. “I promise to keep you out of trouble—for the most part. This will be a good learning experience for you.”
